told 1 of 2

past tense of tell
1
2
3
as in counted
to find the sum of (a collection of things) by noting each one as it is being added who can tell the number of grains of sand in the world?

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
5
6

told

2 of 2

adjective

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of told
Adjective
Two women armed with weapons approached, Johnson told police. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Oct. 2025 But the agency told CNA there’s no evidence that infections have been more severe than usual. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 10 Oct. 2025 An arson conviction won’t change those complaints, a lawyer representing residents in that case told reporters yesterday. Nancy Walecki, The Atlantic, 9 Oct. 2025 Frontera leaned into country influences on their latest record, Jugando a Que No Pasa Nada, and told Rolling Stone that they were inspired by George Strait and Morgan Wallen on the record. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2025 Inspired by true events and told primarily in real time, the hot spec is said to be a real page-turner that has already begun attracting interest from major actresses for its juicy lead role. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 9 Oct. 2025 Both sustained non-life-threatening injuries, police told Fox19. Gillian Stawiszynski, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Oct. 2025 If you are told to evacuate, do it immediately. Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025 Gameros said he was told an assessment of damage in the area needs to reach $13 million before the funds will be distributed. Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for told
Verb
  • Then layer the bulbs as described above, tossing organic fertilizer into the bottom of each layer to support root growth.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
  • In response to a Star inquiry, the State Department confirmed Arrington’s role in obtaining the replica and described the former director as helpful and knowledgeable.
    Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Political stability, rule of law, and a pro-business approach are encouraging companies to invest in technology and restructure to improve profitability, McVey said.
    Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The platform has been heavily criticized over the last year by users who’ve said their smart home gadgets have been left to wither as Google moves away from Assistant and focuses on Gemini.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The inspector counted about 53 pieces of rodent poop, including 20 in the kitchen under a storage rack and 15 in a storage area under the ice bin and storage shelves and another 15 under a flip-top cooler.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Even in an era when foreign footballers in England could be counted on one hand, Trautmann was an exceptional case.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In a statement, a Bose McKinney & Evans spokesperson said the law firm was never informed that Cook had been disciplined or asked to resign by the city.
    IndyStar, IndyStar, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Prioritize your safety by staying informed and prepared.
    Bay Area Weather Report, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Miller is navigating through the kinks, continuing to get acclimated with the taping of his wrist — something he’s been instructed to do — and working through the rust associated with not playing in an actual competitive game for nine months.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 12 Oct. 2025
  • Before long, Mikkelsen instructed me to pull off the road.
    Rosecrans Baldwin, Travel + Leisure, 11 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When the sun rose on the 17th, it was revealed that the colonists—possibly out of a last-minute change of plans, possibly out of moonlit confusion—had built a rough defensive fort on the other hill, Breed’s Hill.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Billie’s father is also revealed to be Morsus’ son Damian, whose evil nature was conquered by his love for Alex.
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, users who rely on ChatGPT, for example, for tips on handling their clinical depression are relying on the tool for a function that’s beyond its stated purpose.
    Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025
  • In a franchise system, this shows in how the franchisor supports its owners, how decisions are made and whether the brand’s actions truly reflect its stated purpose.
    Gigi Schweikert, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In the book, Douglas recounted how Speck found an injured sparrow who had flown into his jail cell.
    Christopher Rudolph, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Reading out the verdict, Korner recounted the horrific crimes committed by Abd–Al-Rahman, including gang rapes, abuse, and mass killings.
    Emmanuel Akinwotu, NPR, 6 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Told.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/told. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on told

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!